Classic license plates
 

Ok, I have a 77 240D, in State of Texas one can get special classic car license plate for cars that are older than 25 years with no inspection requirement and a new plate every 5 years, the cost about $75.00 if I am not mistaken. I do not know what the rules are for other states but I am seriously considering doing this despite the fact that this car is my daily driver and not a garage queen.
Has anyone done this? pros and cons please, as far as laws are concerned, your comments would be appreciated.

Vahe
240D 77/350K
E320 97/66K

used to do this in
 

indiana. maybe still do. same price as standard plates, different design plate, had to be 25 i think.

tom w

Then it sounds like a bargain if the usual car inspection costs $15 or more. And that speaks well of Texas, cause other states are deliberately shafting drivers of older cars.... pushin em off the road for fiddly bits like a little rust.

I considered getting "Collectors" plates for mine.

It's my daily driver, but only during the summer months. Legally, I think we're limited to only 5,000 miles per year with those plates...

But what are the ramifications to insurance costs, or if somebody rear-ends you?

I wonder if the value of a car with Collector plates assumed to be higher...?

- Patrick

I had those plates in AZ on my late Datsun 240Z. No distinction for use, etc. with AZ plates, just a 25 dollar fee and a shiny plate made of copper. Am thinking of getting one for my 300SD as she just turned 25 this month (happy birthday!) but actually, since everyone guesses my '81 as much newer, I'm thinking it might just lead to pull-over hassle as the cop might not think it's got genuine plates, in my case. Hmmm...

Here in CT, the "classic car" plates all say "Early American" at the bottom. So I figured that would be inapropriate for my "collection" of German cars, 3 of which are 22 yrs old.

Antique tags
 

In my experience, some states charge extra for antique tags, while others give you a break. Check to be sure there are no restrictions on use, e.g. parades, shows and events only. I've never bothered with the paperwork to put antique tags on any of the collector cars I've had over the years.

As far as insurance value goes, I doubt insurance companies care if a car is an "antique." Their job is to pay as little as they can get away with on any claim. Unless you have an "agreed value" policy, you're on your own. Agreed value policies, in my experience, almost always have more restrictions than standard policies. That usually means annual mileage limits and use for shows and events, only. No coverage if you take it to the supermarket. Daily drivers of any age don't qualify. The only exception I have ever encountered is my '66 Mustang, for which I have agreed value through my regular carrier without riduculous restrictions-but at a cost much higher than collector car insurance. That car also isn't rare or very expensive.

Going through extra work (or cost) for antique tags isn't worth it for a daily driver unless you want the tags just to be different. My 2 cents.

Mark
South Carolina
93 300D 2.5 turbo
61 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud
66 Mustang restomod

New Jersey has two registration programs for older cars. And they are very different.

The "Classic Car" reg requires your car to be 25 years or older. You can only drive it for display purposes. And yes, if you take it to work or the supermarkey and it gets damaged you're SOL insurance wise. No visit to the inspection station required ever. Special plates issued.

The other is the "Collectors Car" reg. Car need be only 15 y/o, unmodified, stock. Restrictions are you can only drive it 3K a year. You may drive it anywhere, for any reason but not for commercial purposes. You still have to visit the inspection station every two years, but only for an odometer check. You keep your present plates and you get a weird inspection sticker instead. This is what I have on my '79 300D. I have been stopped several times by cops because of the weird windshield sticker. They say they never heard of such a thing. It’s always been fun. Hell! When I went for my original "inspection" the station supervisor had to call Trenton to ask how it was done.

Insurance on both types requires they they be stored in a locked garage and is dirt cheap.